Humbling handshakes
I’ve been a full time missionary for the past 12 years. The only qualification I have to do what I do is simply obedience. Jesus told me to go, so I go. I have no special training or skills. I have never risked my life. I do what all Christians are called to do, go and make disciples.
I’m telling you this because I hope it helps you to understand the most humbling handshakes I’ve ever had.
A few years ago I was visiting my grandma. A lady she was having lunch with was telling me about how she served in World War 2 along with her late husband. She worked on the aircrafts. She was responsible for the aircrafts to work properly and to fix them if something went wrong. A lot of lives depended on her to do her job quickly and accurately.
Pointing to me my grandma told her, “She’s a missionary.” This war experienced woman reached across the table and said, “I need to shake your hand.” She looked me in my eyes and told me that I’m doing a great thing.
I have never been more humbled in my life. Who am I for her to want to shake my hand? I still can’t talk about it without tearing up.
Another humbling handshake happened more recently. A lady at my church was on hospice. Let me back up a little. Her grandson and I were in youth group together. We weren’t close but we knew each other. I’m not sure how she knew me but she had been praying for me for many years. When I would be home on itineration she would let me know she’s praying for me.
When I found out she was on hospice I went to visit her. As soon as I walked in the room she grabbed my hand and said, “I pray for you!” She held my hand as she asked me about Thailand. “It is an honor to pray for you”, she told me. She was an integral part of my spiritual covering and she was honored to do it. I’m on the verge of tears as I write about it. She went to be with the Lord the next morning. So humbling to have had her in my life.
I’m not entirely sure why I’m telling you this. I think in a way it is part of my processing loss. Part of it is me trying to grasp the fact that Jesus sees me. He used these women to show me that he sees me. I’m not special. I’m not doing anything others can’t do. But my obedience matters to Jesus. He’s worthy of so much more than I can offer him. A thousand lifetimes wouldn’t be enough to express how worthy he is. Yet my simple obedience honors him.
If you’re like me you might think you aren’t doing much for the Lord. 1 Samuel 15 teaches us that obedience is better than sacrifice. More often than not sacrifice is easier. We can sacrifice our money or our time or resources. To walk in obedience means to sacrifice ourselves, our desires, our will. Your obedience is the greatest offering. It allows the Lord to work through you. That doesn’t make it easy but it does make it worth it.
Just like that May is over and June is here.
Thank you to everyone that gave for my birthday! It was a great month! I’m a little closer to getting back to Thailand. May might be over but the opportunity to partner with me is never over. If you would still like to make a monthly commitment or a one-time donation you can do that today! Click the button below to give.
June is jam packed!
I’m in Tucson, again. My sister is having surgery. So I will be here a few weeks to help her out. While I’m here, though, I’ll be taking two more classes. I’m almost done!! Yay! And it is always nice to spend time with the nieces. (The nephew is out of state right now.)
Thai tea!
I love that my nieces love Thai tea as much as I do :) These are the memories I cherish while I’m in Thailand.
June 17th I will head to MO. I’m driving so it will take a couple of days. I’ll be in KC to visit friends and supporters. Then the following week I will be in Springfield. I will be going to Missionary Renewal. It will be 7 very full days. It will be nice to see some fellow missionaries and to have some intentional time to be renewed.
From there I will be driving to Nashville to visit a long time friend and supporter. I’m not in TN often but I sure do enjoy it! Looking forward to a Nehi Peach. If you know, you know :)
Then I’ll be making the long drive back to CA. If you think of it please be praying for me.
